Preserving the legacy of Daimler-Benz, MTU, Maybach, and their successors through comprehensive engine documentation
The CDD DieselWiki is a comprehensive database documenting the engineering legacy of Daimler-Benz AG and its successor companies, including MTU Friedrichshafen, Maybach-Motorenbau, Detroit Diesel, Benz & Cie, Daimler Motoren Gesellshaft and their licensees. Our mission is to preserve the technical specifications, history, and impact of these remarkable engines that powered everything from automobiles, trucks, harvesters, tractors, to ships, trains, and aircraft.
This project was born from the recognition that much of this engineering heritage was scattered across service manuals, technical documents, and the memories of mechanics and engineers. By centralizing this information in a structured, searchable format, we aim to serve researchers, restorers, and enthusiasts who work with these engines.
Karl Benz establishes Benz & Cie. in Mannheim, beginning production of stationary internal combustion engines.
Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach found DMG in Cannstatt, developing high-speed engines for multiple applications.
Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl found Maybach-Motorenbau, initially building engines for Zeppelins.
DMG and Benz & Cie. merge to form Daimler-Benz AG, combining their engineering expertise under the Mercedes-Benz brand.
General Motors establishes Detroit Diesel Division, which would later become part of the Daimler family.
Daimler-Benz combines its engine operations to form Motoren- und Turbinen-Union (MTU) in Friedrichshafen.
DaimlerChrysler acquires Detroit Diesel, bringing American two-stroke diesel technology into the family.
Rolls-Royce acquires Tognum AG (parent of MTU), forming Rolls-Royce Power Systems while retaining the MTU brand.
Daimler AG splits into Mercedes-Benz Group AG (passenger cars) and Daimler Truck AG (commercial vehicles).
The parent company that defined German automotive engineering for nearly a century. Produced legendary OM series diesels, aircraft engines, and laid the foundation for modern commercial diesel technology.
World leader in high-speed diesel engines for marine, rail, and defense applications. The Series 4000, 2000, and 1600 engines power everything from luxury yachts to main battle tanks.
Pioneers of engine design, from Zeppelin powerplants to the engines that powered Germany's most formidable tanks during World War II. Later transitioned to rail and marine diesel production.
American icon known for the distinctive sound of its two-stroke diesel engines. Now part of Daimler Truck, producing the Series 60, DD13, DD15, and DD16 heavy-duty engines.
Daimler-Benz pioneered prechamber diesel injection, enabling smoother combustion and higher RPMs in the legendary OM series engines.
MTU and Detroit Diesel developed sophisticated unit injector systems that delivered precise fuel metering at extreme pressures.
From Maybach's Zeppelin engines to MTU's modern marine diesels, the Daimler family has powered vessels of all sizes for over a century.
Detroit Diesel's legendary two-stroke engines defined American trucking for decades, with their distinctive "screamin' Jimmy" sound.
The information in this catalogue has been compiled from multiple authoritative sources:
Each engine entry includes a data quality indicator (Preliminary, Verified, Complete, or Estimated) to help users understand the reliability of the information.
This is a living database. If you have technical documentation, corrections, or additional information about Daimler family engines, we welcome your contributions. The project is maintained by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, with the goal of preserving this important engineering heritage for future generations.
To contribute or report errors, please contact the administrator.